Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Conifer / Hedge / Screen Tree
Variety / Cultivar
'Smaragd' (Emerald Green), notable for maintaining its bright emerald-green color year-round without browning significantly in winter.
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 8, showing strong cold hardiness and good adaptability to varied temperate climates.
About This Tree
A dense, narrow, pyramidal evergreen conifer with an upright, uniform growth habit and tightly packed, upright-branching sprays of vibrant foliage that retains its color throughout the winter.
Leaf Characteristics
Scale-like, overlapping leaves arranged in flat, fan-like sprays; vibrant emerald-green in color, turning slightly grayish-green underneath, maintaining color well into winter.
Bark Characteristics
Reddish-brown to grayish-brown bark that peels in narrow, vertical strips as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to eastern North America and southeastern Canada, widely cultivated globally in temperate regions.
Growing Season
Evergreen year-round growing cycle with active vegetative growth in spring and summer; optimal planting time is in early spring or autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soils and regular watering during establishment, with moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Reaches a mature height of 10 to 15 feet with a spread of 3 to 4 feet, growing at a slow to moderate rate with a lifespan of several decades.
Special Characteristics
Excellent pest and disease resistance, highly tolerant of pruning and shearing, making it ideal for privacy screens, hedges, and formal gardens.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides dense nesting cover and shelter for small birds and mammals throughout the year, with seeds consumed by various local birds.